Campbell: Summer Concert Series returns

The return of city's Summer Concert Series can only mean one thing: Summer has officially come to Campbell.

The city will kick off its 22nd annual series on June 19 at the Orchard City Green, the vast grassy area in front of the Ainsley House and adjacent to city hall. There will be a summer concert every Thursday evening--with the exception of July 3--through Aug. 14.

Regina Maurantonio, recreation and community services director, said the concerts offer a "really nice community atmosphere [with] lots of families; people bringing out picnics. You see toddlers dancing as well as adults. It's just a relaxing, nice atmosphere."

Maurantonio believes the location is what keeps people coming back year after year. "Every seat is a good seat," she said. Besides being close to the library, Ainsley House and city hall, Orchard City Green is near downtown restaurants and shopping. Many people dine out before or after the concerts, she said.

Although the concerts are free, there's a place where attendees can donate. The dollars raised go to the city's general fund to help support the concerts, and the city usually raises $400 to $500 a night, Maurantonio said. The series is also funded through a Kaiser Permanente sponsorship.

For the third year in a row, the city will offer free pre-concert activities. Last year, the city focused on activities that encouraged people to be active. This year, the focus is on how parks make life better.

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"It's something I'm totally passionate about because I really believe in it," Maurantonio said of the series' message.

The activities will be held from 6 to 6:30 p.m.--with the exception of the June 19 activity, which begins at 5:30 p.m.--at the Orchard City Green prior to the concert. Upcoming activities will include a parent-child music exploration, line dancing, youth soccer and Zumba.

Before the June 19 concert, there will be a Lego build, presented by Play-Well TEKnologies, the company that leads Campbell Recreation Department's Engineering with Lego camps. The build is primarily geared for children ages 4 to 10, but all ages are welcome, Maurantonio said.

All of the bands slated to perform are from the Bay Area, and eight of the nine bands have previously performed at the Summer Concert Series. The band Joint Chiefs is new to the venue this year.

"We do have some that are really popular, but we try to mix in new ones, too," Maurantonio said.

The bands perform covers of famous songs for the most part, she said, adding that the songs are family oriented.

"What we've noticed is people really enjoy reminiscing about songs that were popular in the '60s or '80s or '90s, so usually not a lot of original music," she said.

Series performers include Cocktail Monkeys on June 19, Crocodiles on June 26, the Houserockers on July 10, the Groove Kings on July 17, Tinman on July 25, Joint Chiefs on July 31, Sage on Aug. 7 and Long Train Runnin on Aug. 14.

The Museum Foundation sells barbecue hot dogs, polish sausages, chips, cookies, wine, beer and soda at the concerts. All proceeds go the foundation. Attendees are asked not to bring portable barbecues to the event.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and beach towels but blankets, but since ground space is at a premium, large blankets and tarps aren't allowed.

For more information on the Department of Recreation and Community Services or Parks Make Life Better, contact Maurantonio at 408.866.2106.